Ammonium acetate
- Buffer Solution: It is commonly used as a buffering agent in molecular biology and biochemistry experiments. Its buffering capacity is particularly useful in maintaining a stable pH environment, especially in the range of 3.8 to 5.8.
- LC-MS Solvent: Ammonium acetate is often used as a mobile phase additive in liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). It helps improve ionization efficiency and enhances the resolution of analytes.
- Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a source of acetate ions in organic synthesis. It can be employed in various reactions such as acetylation, amidation, esterification, and as a catalyst in some reactions.
- Desiccant: Due to its hygroscopic nature, it is used as a desiccant to dry organic solvents and other compounds.
- Food Additive: In the food industry, it is used as an acidity regulator, buffering agent, and flavoring agent. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities when used in food products within specified limits.
- Preservative: Ammonium acetate can be used as a preservative in certain food products, helping to extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth.
- Pharmaceuticals: It may be used in certain pharmaceutical formulations as an excipient or for pH adjustment purposes.
- Dyeing and Printing: In textile industries, it can be used in dyeing and printing processes as an acidic buffer.
- Electroplating: Ammonium acetate can be used in electroplating processes as an electrolyte.
- Laboratory Reagent: It is a common reagent in various laboratory procedures, including DNA/RNA extraction, protein precipitation, and chromatography.